Religion & Society Exam : General Comments

1. Make sure that you know the Key Words; it is an easy way to get 8 marks overall.
2. When the (b) questions ask you to 'outline' or answer 'how', they are looking for three facts e.g.
   Choose one religion other than Christianity and explain it’s teaching on stewardship –
   Allah created humans and gave them the responsibility for looking after the earth. God’s creatures must be respected and not killed without good reason i.e. for food not sport. Muslims will be judged on the amount of care they have given the earth and its creatures.
3. When the (c) question asks you to 'explain' you must give information and then explain why it is relevant e.g.
   Explain why there are different rights to animal rights in Christianity –
   • Some Christians believe that God gave man the responsibility for commanding the animals as outlined in Genesis 1
   • Whilst they must be respected and cared for as part of Creation, they are here for human use either as food or for other purposes
   • For this reason they would have no objection to eating animals or using them for experimentation provided it was done without cruelty and was for valid reasons.
   • Other Christians would disagree and say that as we have responsibility for the care of animals we do not have the right to use them for our own purposes.
   • Christian views would be determined by their interpretation of the Bible
4. In the (c) questions in which you have to explain one religion other than Christianity, you MUST name the religion and explain what the followers of that religion believe and why they do so e.g. because it is written in the Scriptures, part of their beliefs on reincarnation and taught by their Prophet/Gurus
5. The (d) questions start with a statement that has to be agreed or disagreed with and the reasons for your view given and then an alternative point of view explained. YOU MUST name one religion and give the view of followers of that religion.
   • Christians believe...
   • Hindus believe...
   • Muslims believe...
6. Make sure that you answer questions in full sentences rather than bullet points or notes.
7. Questions are marked as Levels so marking is as follows:
   • A = 2 marks
   • B = 6 marks (2 marks/1 level for each point given)
   • C = 8 marks (2 marks/1 level for each point explained)
   • D = 4 marks (1 mark for each relevant point)
8. DO NOT LEAVE questions unanswered, have a go you may get at least one mark and have nothing to lose.
9. READ THE QUESTIONS VERY CAREFULLY and do a small spider gram before you start so that you do not repeat yourself or waffle on. You have 2 hours!
10. DO NOT MAKE arrogant assumptions about other peoples beliefs, you have probably misunderstood the teaching and you will only alienate the examiner. The only question that needs your point of view is the d question.
11. Section Five – You have been prepared for Religion and the Media so you will lose marks unless you specifically prepare for Question 10.

Revise Well and You Will Do Well - Good Luck